Oh boy. Marvel Studios’ Captain America: Brave New World is set to hit theaters on February 14, 2025, but early reviews are not looking good for the Anthony Mackie vehicle. While some praise Mackie’s transition into the role of Captain America, many argue that the film lacks the freshness and impact expected from an MCU blockbuster.
With a 52% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Brave New World finds itself in the lower tier of Marvel Studios releases, alongside Eternals (47%) and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (46%). Despite this, box office projections remain strong, with estimates suggesting a $95-$100 million opening weekend.
The Positives
Some critics believe the film delivers thrilling action and a solid performance from Anthony Mackie. Empire Magazine awarded it 3 stars, writing:
“Pacy and punchy, this is a promising first official outing for the new Captain America, even if some awkward and inconsistent moments hold it back from greatness.”
Meanwhile, Deadline’s Pete Hammond found merit in Mackie’s performance despite the film’s shortcomings:
“Director Julius Onah and a boatload of writers provide plenty of opportunities for Mackie to show his strengths, although Evans’ Steve Rogers is a tough act to follow.”
The Negatives
However, many critics argue that the film leans too heavily on past Captain America movies without carving out a distinct identity. IGN rated it 5/10, stating:
“Captain America: Brave New World feels neither brave, nor all that new. Recycling The Winter Soldier’s political thriller structure (and even specific plot points) is no way to set Sam Wilson apart from Steve Rogers.”
The Hollywood Reporter was also unimpressed, describing the film as:
“A lackluster Marvel entry that feels as if its complicated storyline has been painstakingly worked out without a shred of inspiration.”
Collider went even further, comparing it to some of Sony’s most criticized Marvel projects:
“More in common with Sony’s disastrous attempts to make its own Marvel movies than it does with the prior entries that turned the MCU into what it is today.”
UK Critics are Particularly Harsh
British critics were even less forgiving. The Daily Telegraph gave the film 2 stars, remarking:
“It’s hard to imagine Brave New World rallying the Marvel fanbase, not least because it gives them so little to rally behind. It feels less like a film than something you make when you can’t think of one, but your deadline is looming regardless.”
Meanwhile, The Times awarded just 1 star, with a particularly scathing take:
“The MCU has eaten itself into a bloated, constipated stupor. The possibility for clear and uncomplicated storytelling has been neutralized by the kind of relentless exposition that 34 previous movies and 11 MCU TV shows now, unfortunately, require.”
Will Brave New World Overcome the Negative Buzz?
With critics split and a 52% Rotten Tomatoes score, Captain America: Brave New World risks becoming one of Marvel’s more polarizing releases. However, strong box office projections suggest audiences may still turn out in large numbers. Whether this will be another case of audience vs. critic divide, or a genuine misstep for the MCU, remains to be seen.
Are you brave enough to watch Captain America: Brave New World this weekend? Watch the trailer below:
Synopsis: Sam Wilson, the new Captain America, finds himself in the middle of an international incident and must discover the motive behind a nefarious global plan.
Captain America: Brave New World also stars Danny Ramirez, Shira Haas, Xosha Roquemore, Carl Lumbly, with Giancarlo Esposito, Liv Tyler, Tim Blake Nelson, and Harrison Ford. The film is directed by Julius Onah and produced by Kevin Feige and Nate Moore. Louis D’Esposito and Charles Newirth serve as executive producers.
Marvel Studios’ Captain America: Brave New World opens in U.S. theaters on February 14, 2025.
The Geek is a working screenwriter, director and screenwriting instructor.
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